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Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

The Devonport Naval Heritage Site and Visitor Centre records the development of The Dockyard and Plymouth's pivotal role in supporting the Royal Navy through major conflicts since 1300, including two World Wars. Through its collections, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation the drama of the close relationship of Devonport, the Royal Navy, The Dockyard and the people of Plymouth can be explored.

It is open by appointment to groups of visitors in the historic South Yard. Join with us in sharing, exploring and conserving the character and history of Devonport Naval Base and The Dockyard for the future. As well as tours by appointment, Public Open Days are held at various times throughout the year and there are regular public visit sessions during the summer months.

Please visit the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre website for more information, email [email protected]  or call 01752 552326.

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Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

The devonport naval heritage site and visitor centre records the development of the dockyard and plymouth’s pivotal role in supporting the royal navy through major conflicts, including two world wars. through its collections, interactive experiences and pictorial interpretation the drama of the close relationship of devonport, the royal navy, the dockyard and the people of plymouth can be explored..

https://devonportnhc.wordpress.com/ Devonport Naval Heritage Centre Devonport Plymouth PL1 4HG E: [email protected]

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Naval Base Tours - Devonport

• a Ship visit & Naval Base tour
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• or for organized groups only an Historic Naval Base Heritage tour complete with Plymouth Naval Base Museum visit.

Navy Days 2009

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Plumb the depths of Plymouth's rich maritime history

Plymouth, devon.

Home to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army, Plymouth boasts an inspiring rich maritime heritage and is steeped in military history.

Visit Plymouth and you are likely to see an impressive Naval vessel making its way across Plymouth Sound. Failing that you can head to the historic Barbican, and step aboard a Naval Harbour Cruise where you will go by boat to explore the Naval ships. 

Explore the Naval Heritage Centre located inside the Naval Base, and take a tour on board a submarine. Then embark on a journey around the Royal Citadel, a 17th Century fortress and home to the Army which was built to defend the city from the Dutch. 

Take a ferry to visit the Royal William Yard and witness an imposing example of military prowess and the largest collection of listed Naval buildings in Europe. Around the corner from the Yard is Stonehouse Barracks, home to the Royal Marines. 

Plymouth Hoe remembers the fallen with numerous War Memorials and the city hosts an annual Armed Forces Day 

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Naval Base Heritage Museum

The Royal Navy’s base at Plymouth, where the Rivers Tamar, Tavy, Lynher and Plym enter the English Channel, was established in the late 17th century, and re-named Devonport in 1823. The museum has evolved through several stages since the Second World War as the dockyard has contracted. Its headquarters is now the 3-storey pay office building of 1775, where several of the interior strong room doors remain. Displays illustrate the history of the dockyard, with boats, tools, figureheads, uniforms and sailors’ kit, and there is a large collection of ship models, principally of the 20th century. Tours of the dockyard take visitors to 15 storehouses, ship-building slips and others structures of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Royal Navy also organises tours of the working dockyard, by advanced notice for those with appropriate identification.    In another part of Plymouth, the Royal William Victualling Yard, designed by Sir John Rennie (1794-1874) and built between 1824 and 1835, provided the ships of the Royal Navy with food for more than 150 years until its closure in 1992. Most of the surviving buildings are listed Grade I by English heritage. The ships’ biscuit bakery, the brewery, the abattoir and other buildings have been adapted as galleries, apartments and restaurants that can easily be visited. There is access by ferry from the Barbican in central Plymouth.

Naval Base Heritage Museum Devonport Naval Base Spinnaker Gate Granby Way PL1 4HG Plymouth United Kingdom +44 (0) 1752 - 552326 Homepage

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**Please note: the decommisioned submarine ‘Courageous’ is closed to the general public until further notice**

HMS Courageous (1971-1992) (Decomissioned Nuclear Submarine)

Visit a 285ft (87m) long, 4300 ton, Churchill class, decomissioned nuclear submarine, the only exhibit of its kind in the UK.

**Please note: the decommisioned submarine ‘Courageous’ is closed to the general public until further notice** Please be aware that when booking with HMS Courageous we are unable to take bookings with visitors less than 4 people. If your group has less than 4 members we may be able to add you to a larger tour group – please contact us for more information. We cannot guarantee the booking of smaller groups.

HMS Courageous provides a fascinating glimpse into the operational world of the ‘Silent Service’. Please view our short introductory video:

A short video containing essential Health and Safety information must be viewed prior to your arranged visit here:

Supporting information can be found on the Courageous Association website at:  http://www.hmscourageous.co.uk/html/the_boat.html

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Plymouth, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Plymouth, in the beautiful English county of Devon, is one of Britain's largest seaports and naval bases. As such, it ranks as the country's most historically significant ports. It was here, just off the coast of Plymouth, that the English navy defeated the Spanish Armada, marking the beginning of the country's rise as a world power.

Situated at the mouth of the River Tamar, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall, Plymouth is now a sizeable city that includes Stonehouse and Devonport. For visitors, this means there are many great attractions to visit and fun things to do nearby.

Bordered by a rocky and sometimes steep shoreline interspersed with sheltered beach areas suitable for swimming, this attractive coastal city is nestled between hills that reach down to the adjoining bays. Surrounding woodlands and meadows combine with extensive parks and gardens to give the city an open, attractive look.

Famous names connected with British maritime history, such as Sir Francis Drake and the Mayflower , are closely associated with this historic port. With the many cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of the Barbican waterfront area, as well as its wide seafront promenade, these and other major points of interest are easy to explore on foot.

As you put together your England travel itinerary, be sure to refer often to our list of the top attractions and things to do in Plymouth, England.

See also: Where to Stay in Plymouth

1. Take in the Views at Plymouth Hoe & Smeaton's Tower

2. visit historic saltram house, 3. have fun at the barbican waterfront, 4. explore the royal citadel, 5. take the kids to the national marine aquarium, 6. the mayflower museum and mayflower steps memorial, 7. plymouth city center, 8. tour the historic elizabethan house, 9. follow the heritage trail through historic devonport, 10. spend a night at crownhill fort, 11. take the ferry to mount edgcumbe country park in cornwall, 12. take a drive to cotehele house, 13. cotehele mill, 14. bridging the tamar visitor and learning centre, 15. visit the cornish town of saltash, where to stay in plymouth for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in plymouth, england, plymouth - climate chart.

Some of the finest views over the town and Plymouth Sound are to be had from Plymouth Hoe, often referred to as simply the Hoe. Spacious Hoe Park opened in 1817 and is traversed by the Promenade, and extends past Drake's Island as far as the lighthouse on Eddystone Rock, 14 miles away.

It's also where you'll find the Armada Monument , erected in 1888 and decorated with the coats of arms of the towns that helped in the struggle against the Spanish. The nearby massive Naval War Memorial is worth a look, as is the Sir Francis Drake Statue. Other memorials along the wide, paved Hoe Promenade include the Plymouth Naval Memorial, commemorating the lives of sailors from Britain and the Commonwealth who died in two world wars, and the Royal Air Force and Allied Air Forces monument.

Also in the Hoe, the upper part of Smeaton's Tower -parts of which were taken from the original 18th-century lighthouse once located offshore-is open as a viewing platform. Be prepared to tackle the 93 steps of the tower, including steep ladders, to the lantern room for the lovely views. If you're here in August, try to coincide a visit with the annual British Fireworks Championship , an event that draws huge crowds from across the country.

Be sure to also spend a little time wandering West Hoe Park , on the westernmost tip of the Hoe. It's popular with families for its kid-friendly rides and miniature railway.

Address: 4 Osborne Place, Plymouth, Devon, England

Saltram House, just three miles east of Plymouth, was begun by John Parker in 1750 and has seen little change since its construction. It is notable for its 14 paintings by Joshua Reynolds, who lived in nearby Plympton.

The artist liked staying at Saltram and painted portraits of the lord of the house and his family. The portrait of the artist himself dates from 1767 and hangs on the stairway, and is the work of Angelika Kaufmann. Also of interest are works by Rubens, Stubbs, American presidential painter Gilbert Stuart, and superb collections of porcelain.

After visiting the home's beautiful interior, be sure to spend time exploring its magnificent grounds, including the unspoiled woodlands and tranquil gardens. The views over Plymouth Sound are also worth checking out. Self-guided tours of the expansive grounds-crisscrossed by a network of hiking and biking trails-can be picked up when purchasing tickets.

Tours of the manor house are also available, and a café and tearoom are available for those wanting to linger longer.

Address: Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

Known as the Barbican, Plymouth's historic harbor area is fun to explore on foot. Consisting of cobbled streets and scenic views over fishing boats and pleasure craft, it's also one of the city's most popular dining districts, with casual seafood kiosks rubbing shoulder with restaurants and eateries offering outdoor al fesco dining.

At Sutton Harbour, formerly known as Sutton Pool, pleasure ships offer fun excursions around the harbor and Plymouth Sound, and regular ferry services can whisk you away to other destinations across the city.

Of particular interest to American tourists is the Mayflower Museum covering the fascinating history of this famous vessel's voyage to the New World. You can also visit the nearby Mayflower Steps Memorial, the spot from which the Pilgrims are said to have embarked on their epic voyage.

A short distance away is a memorial commemorating the arrival of British aviators Alcock and Brown who, in 1919, became the first people to cross the Atlantic in a seaplane.

Other Barbican highlights include the National Marine Aquarium , the Barbican Theatre , the Plymouth Arts Centre , and countless shopping opportunities and restaurants. The Barbican is also the scene of numerous events, including concerts and food festivals.

Official site: www.barbicanwaterfront.com

The Royal Citadel was built on the site of an earlier fortification in the 17th century and remained the most important coastal defense in England for more than 100 years. The structure encompasses the site of an earlier fort built in the time of Sir Francis Drake.

It's still used by the military, so be sure to check tour availability for the attraction. Entry is via guided tours only, which must be booked in advance of your visit.

A highlight of a visit is the Royal Chapel of St. Katherine-upon-the-Hoe. Originally licensed for services in 1371, it was rebuilt over the centuries. A road runs around the citadel, affording excellent views, and a pleasant footpath can also be strolled.

Address: Lambhay Hill, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/royal-citadel-plymouth/

Located adjacent to the Barbican waterfront area, the National Marine Aquarium is the UK's largest aquarium and offers superb educational programs and displays. Exhibits cover the world's oceans, from the shores of England to Pacific coral reefs.

More than 70 sharks from 10 different species are housed here, along with small dogfish and large sand tiger sharks, all of them featuring in an excellent interactive dive show. An on-site restaurant offers views of exhibits or across Plymouth Sound, and there's a good-sized gift shop selling a variety of souvenirs.

Fun behind-the-scenes tours are available, as are a variety of daily talks about the facility's residents and other marine related matters. Other fun things to do include joining a "shark sleepover," including snacks and a unique chance to see these amazing creatures at night.

Also fun for the kids, the nearby Plym Valley Railway consists of preserved steam engines and rolling stock running on a 1.5-mile line.

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: www.national-aquarium.co.uk

While a big draw for tourists from the United States, the Mayflower Museum is also well worth a visit for those with an interest in Britain's rich naval history.

Located in the Barbican area and focusing on the remarkable journey made by America's founding fathers aboard the Mayflower , this first-rate museum commemorates Plymouth's important part in the epic journey undertaken by the Pilgrims to the New World. Highlights include the chance to try out period costumes, numerous fun interactive games, along with a scale model of the famous ship.

Afterwards, be sure to snap a photo of the Mayflower Steps Memorial , a historic gateway built in memory of the Pilgrim Fathers. These, and the museum, can be included in a number of fun walking tours of the Barbican and old town area.

Address: 3-5 The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, England

Plymouth's bustling city center occupies the area around two broad avenues, Armada Way and Royal Parade , which adjoin Hoe Park to the north. Near St. Andrew's Church are the 15th-century Prysten House, the city's oldest home; the 16th-century Merchant's House, a Tudor building housing a museum of social history; and the beautiful Guildhall with its pretty little towers.

Opposite St. Andrew's is the Civic Centre , worth visiting for the viewing platform on the 14th floor, with its breathtaking views of the city, which on a clear day enables you to see as far as distant Dartmoor . On Derry's Cross is the famous Theatre Royal, with the Athenaeum Theatre next door.

You can find many things to do at the Plymouth Pavilions , a conference and leisure center with a swimming pool, wave-machine, and ice rink.

Finally, a little northwest of the city center is the Drake Circus Centre , a pedestrian zone with passageways of shops and restaurants. In addition to its great shopping and dining experiences, it's here you'll find the stunning " The Box ." Home to the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, this architectural gem is well worth seeing if not just for its design, but its exhibits relating to local art and history.

Address: St. Andrews Street, Plymouth, Devon, England

In the narrow cobbled streets of The Barbican, Plymouth's historic quarter centered around Sutton Harbour, you can see an excellent example of 16th-century architecture in the Elizabethan House on New Street.

Fitted out exactly as it would have been in Tudor times, it's a delight to explore. Fascinating displays lead you through the building's rich history as a boarding house over the centuries, from its construction right through to the humble lodgings of its last tenants in the 1920s.

Also worth visiting are the neighboring Elizabethan Gardens and the 100-plus other listed historic attractions here. You should also visit nearby Southside Street, where you can see the remains of a 14th-century Dominican monastery.

Address: 17-19 New Street, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: www.theboxplymouth.com/outside-the-box/elizabethan-house/restoration

To the west of Plymouth city center, Devonport has many fine old Georgian and Regency houses. The Royal Dockyard, established in 1691 by William III, contains a memorial to polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott.

Born in Devonport in 1868, Scott died in 1912 on an expedition to the South Pole with his ship Discovery , now on display in Dundee. Gun Wharf, built in 1718, is also architecturally interesting.

The Devonport Heritage Trail is a great way to explore the area (particularly for hikers), while the more sedate Waterfront Walkway offers good sightseeing for all ages and abilities. Be sure to also visit the excellent Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, with its displays and exhibits relating to the city's historic dockyards.

Highlights include a former Royal Navy submarine, as well as the opportunity to tour the still operational naval base (tours need to be booked in advance).

Address: Vivid Approach, Off Granby Wy., Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, England

Crownhill Fort, built in the 1860s, is the largest and best preserved of Plymouth's ring of Victorian Forts. There are cannons and tunnels to explore, as well as ramparts and a massive dry moat, and you can take in numerous historic reenactments throughout the year. Guided tours are available.

For an unforgettable experience, look into booking one of the Fort's unique overnight stays. Offered in the former Officers' Quarters, these fully-furnished luxury suites contain separate bedrooms and full kitchens.

Address: Crownhill Fort Road, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: www.landmarktrust.org.uk/crownhill-fort

From Plymouth, there's a ferry service to Cremyll in Cornwall and the sprawling Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Overlooking this huge parcel of land-the park in fact includes two villages, Kingsand and Cawsand-is Mount Edgcumbe House, a fine example of English 18th-century interior design.

Featured in the Oscar award-winning film, Sense and Sensibility , the house includes a large collection of period furniture and numerous fine paintings, including examples by Joshua Reynolds. Rare Chinese and English porcelain, as well as a unique collection of Bronze Age horns originating from Ireland, can also be viewed.

Be sure to spend time in the colorfully landscaped park, noted for its many European and exotic plant varieties. Other notable features include a number of follies, fortifications, and temples, most of which can be explored.

There are plenty of trails to explore, too, including a nine-mile section of the popular South West Coast Path and a long stretch of coastline. For those wanting to bed down for a night or two, a number of quaint cottages, along with a glamping site, can be booked.

Location: Cremyll, Torpoint, Cornwall, Devon, England

Official site: www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Located a pleasant 30-minute drive inland from Plymouth, Cotehele House is a National Trust property that should be added to your local travel itinerary. While records indicate a manor home existed on the site in the early 1300s, much of the splendid medieval building on display today was built in the late 15th century by the Edgcumbe family, who were also responsible for the already-mentioned Mount Edgcumbe House.

Notable among its many interesting features are the well-preserved outbuildings, its three charming chapels, plus a large collection of old furniture and tapestries. The picturesque 14-acre grounds are well worth exploring and back onto the River Tamar.

Highlights include a marine exhibit at the Cotehele Quay, along with a lovely tearoom, formal gardens, a tower, and a Victorian-era summerhouse.

Address: St. Dominick, Saltash, Devon, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

When visiting Cotehele House, be sure to also check out the neighboring Cotehele Mill . This remarkably well-preserved water-powered mill demonstrates traditional milling methods that were once common before the arrival of steam power and electricity.

While the exact date it was built remains a bit of a mystery, it's believed to have been here in medieval times, and the current water wheel itself is known to have been added in the 1800s.

In addition to its working blacksmith shop and fascinating displays of old tools, you can still see local grain being ground just as it would have been centuries ago. Cotehele flour is also used in the wonderful baked goods you can sample here.

This attraction can get busy, so try to allow plenty of time in your schedule to wait a short period of time before getting in, but hey, it's an idyllic stream-side setting in which to spend some time.

Address: St. Dominick, Callington, Devon, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele-mill/features/explore-cotehele-mill

Devon's newest tourist attraction, and one of the top free things to do in Plymouth, the informative Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre opened in 2019 and provides a fascinating look at the two major bridges crossing the River Tamar: the Tamar Bridge and the Royal Albert Bridge.

Built in the 1960s and the 1850s respectively, these two impressive structures stand side by side over the river, connecting Devon and Cornwall. Plymouth, on the east bank, is where the informative visitor center is located, while the Cornish town of Saltash is located on the west bank. Each bridge had a huge impact on the area when it opened.

Through informative, interactive displays and exhibits, the visitor center showcases the construction of both bridges, offering a fascinating glimpse into their history, as well as their operation. Workshops and guided behind-the-scenes tours are available.

Address: Pemros Road, St. Budeaux, Plymouth, Devon, England

Official site: https://bridgingtamar.wpengine.com

Often referred to as the "Gateway to Cornwall," the town of Saltash sits directly across from Plymouth on the west bank of the River Tamar. It's well worth taking the time to explore and is accessible via a short train ride-worth it for the chance to cross Isambard Kingdom Brunel's magnificent Royal Albert Bridge , built in 1859-or on the pedestrian and bike path that utilizes the modern Tamar Bridge.

Popular things to do once here include exploring the Saltash Waterside, the historic part of the town once known for its boat building workshops and trades that supported local fishermen. From here, you're able to access the historic Mary Newmans Cottage , built in 1480 and furnished with period furniture.

You'll also want to visit the fascinating Elliott's Shop , a grocery store that has remained unchanged since the 1970s. Many of its displays date even further back, as the store was established in 1903.

If time allows, hop aboard a pleasure boat ride along the Tamar. These fun excursions operate off the Saltash Pier .

Looking for somewhere good to stay during your time in Plymouth? We thoroughly recommend these delightful hotels located near sightseeing locations such as Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican historic quarter:

Luxury Hotels :

• The luxurious Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa is located in a magnificent old manor house in a picturesque countryside setting, just minutes from downtown Plymouth, and features an indoor heated pool and a wellness spa.
• Located waterside, Plum Holidays - Drake's Wharf offers luxury accommodations in a heritage naval building with upgraded décor and water views.
• Another unique experience located in a historic site, Rooms by Bistrot Pierre offers elegant accommodations in the heart of the magnificently restored Royal William Yard. Beautiful gardens, fine dining, a marina, and quiet walking trails are all just a short stroll away.
• Equally sumptuous, 1 Elliot Terrace features spacious suites with great views over Plymouth Hoe.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A favorite in the mid-range price category, the Invicta Hotel is a great family-run hotel in a convenient location with extremely friendly staff.
• The Grosvenor Plymouth is another excellent option and features affordable rates, a great location just steps from Plymouth Hoe, along with modern décor and a delicious free breakfast.
• The Crowne Plaza Plymouth is also worth checking availability at, and features quality rooms with superb views, all just steps away from Plymouth Hoe.

Budget Hotels :

• For the budget conscious, the Premier Inn Plymouth City Centre (Sutton Harbour) Hotel is a good choice, located near the National Marine Aquarium, all rooms (including the larger family rooms) feature tea and coffee makers.
• While a cut above the average in this category, The Duke of Cornwall Hotel is well worth looking into for its attractive setting and affordable rates.
• Also good, Rainbow Lodge offers B&B-style rooms with a great cooked breakfast included.

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City Slickers : The UK capital of London offers no end of fun things to do, from spectacular Buckingham Palace to the wonderful Covent Garden market area. Other destinations to include on your England travel itinerary include the university towns of Cambridge , home to gorgeous medieval architecture, and Oxford , famous for its old colleges and attractive old town center.

Country Folk : England also boasts no end of quaint smaller towns and charming countryside to explore. It's also home to excellent beaches , including the coast of Brighton , as well as the spectacular scenery in Cumbria's Lake District . There's even a little of the countryside to be enjoyed in London, especially in places like Hyde Park and Kew Gardens .

England Vacation Ideas : Popular vacation destinations in England include Bath , famous for its incredibly well-preserved old Romana Baths and splendid Georgian architecture. Nearby Bristol is another great place to visit, especially around its historic harbor area. Another important port is Southampton , which, like Plymouth, boasts many sea-faring and maritime-related attractions.

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SNMG-1 and SNMCMG-1 Visit Plymouth

From mass communication specialist 2nd class mark andrew hays.

Sailors from Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG) 1 and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group One (SNMCMG) 1 successfully completed a scheduled port visit to Plymouth, England.

While in Plymouth, crewmembers immersed themselves in the city’s rich maritime history and culture, and engaged with local community members through office calls, local media interviews, ship tours and community relations (COMREL) events.

Thirteen Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), SNMG-1’s flagship, visited Plympton Academy in Plymouth to interact and read with students.

“It was very flattering to host crew from USS Gravely,” said Martin Edmonds, Plympton Academy teacher. “Meeting new people and talking about our lives and different experiences is hugely beneficial in developing our students’ general knowledge and helping to widen their cultural horizons.”

SNMG-1 and SNMCMG-1 staff took advantage of time in port by having force meetings and a pre-sail brief to prepare for future interactions and training evolutions while operating together during their next period at sea.

“This is one of those rare times when both NATO groups are working together outside of an exercise,” said Danish Cmdr. Michael Madsen, SNMG-1 staff planning officer. “It’s important to hold these briefs to coordinate our types of programs, and make sure if last minute changes come, we both know how to deal with it.”

With one of NATO’s missions being to strengthen the relationships among Allies, Rear Adm. Edward Cashman, Commander of SNMG-1, Royal Danish Cmdr. Peter Krogh, Commander of SNMCMG-1 and both groups’ ship captains took time out of their busy schedule to visit with Her Majesty’s Naval Base, Devonport Deputy Commander Col. Simon Chapman and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Sam Davey.

“Each port call is planned so we can visit with our Allies, both military and civilian communities, and strengthen the relationships that make the Alliance so strong,” said Cashman. “They offer valuable opportunities to discuss regional security and stability, and build awareness and confidence in NATO’s ability to deter conflict and, if necessary, protect the members of the Alliance.”

SNMG-1 is currently composed of the U.S. flagship guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), the German navy replenishment tanker FGS Spessart (A 1442), the Danish support ship HDMS Absalon (L16), the British frigate HMS Westminster (F237), and the Polish guided-missile frigate ORP General K. Pulaski (FrR 272) and is one of four standing maritime task groups composed of ships from various Allied countries. These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). They provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrate solidarity, and strengthen diplomatic and professional links among Allied naval forces.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter .

For more news from Standing NATO Maritime Group One, visit https://www.navy.mil/ .

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Naval Dockyards Society

Exploring the civil branches of navies & their material culture.

Horsley swing bridge at Royal William Victualling Yard 2014. Image by Ann Coats.

Since 2002, when the NDS organised a tour of Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth Citadel and Royal William Yard, the Society has engaged with Devonport heritage societies in protecting the surviving heritage of the dockyard. The Former Devonport Market House in South Yard was removed from the Devonport Dockyard estate in 2005, when the land around it (the South Yard Enclave) was sold to English Partnerships (Plymouth City Council, 2007, The Devonport Area Action Plan 2006–2021, p. 14 . Plymouth: Department of Development) This area has been developed as new housing.

In 2008, alerted by a letter from the Association of Friends of Plymouth Naval Base Museum to Peter Dawson (Chatham Dockyard Historical Society) about threats to the Museum, Dr Coats was kindly escorted around South Yard in the same year by Hon. Sec. Mary Wills and Guide Tom Wood. The Museum had existed in concept since the early nineteenth century, having as an artefact the flag under which Nelson fell at the Battle of Trafalgar. Mary’s father, Naval Stores employee Stanley Greenwood, was influential in persuading Admiral Dick Wildish (later an NDS member), Norman Chaff and Fred Stott to set up its modern manifestation (2-sided leaflet. n.d., Devonport Dockyard Museums). After the Museum opened in the Fire Station in 1969 it moved in the 1970s to the St Lo church, then to its current home, the Ground Floor of Building S029, formerly the Police Station, with the previous Clerk of the Cheque’s Office above.

Devonport East Ropery 2009. Image by Ann Coats.

The MoD was seeking in 2008 to lease much of South Yard to private contractors. The Friends of Plymouth Naval Base Museum were concerned about the future of their Museum and artefacts, exhibited in the Ropery and the Tarred Yarn Stores. They also ran regular group visits and tours. NDS proposed to Plymouth City Council that they move to the West Ropery, with room for their collection and a nearby entrance at Mutton Cove. (Coats, A., Dec 2008, Visit to Plymouth Naval Base Museum 17 September 2008. Dockyards, 13(2), pp. 12-15. Portsmouth: Naval Dockyards Society)

Princess Yachts’ 2010 Application (Plymouth Planning Application Reference: 10/00640/FUL HM Naval Base South Yard Devonport Plymouth PL1 4SG) was the first step in the MoD disposing of this estate. The super yacht facility was at first welcomed for bringing employment and shipbuilding back to South Yard. This is the most historic part of Devonport Yard, whose core was a revolutionary design by Edmund Dummer in the 1690s: a stepped stone dry dock opening onto a wet dock, with storehouses around it, to minimise time taken in getting men and supplies to ships needing repair. However, it became apparent from the plans that not only would the scale of Princess Yachts’ facilities impinge on historic listed buildings and future access become uncertain, but the company was including use of the Ropery in its plans, even though the building was not included in the application. NDS objected on the grounds of impaired views and lost access to historic buildings, queried the status of the Ropery and called upon the councillors to raise these issues and reverse the three development phases. Nevertheless, on 21 July 2010 the Planning Committee recommended acceptance conditionally subject to S106 Obligation.

NDS intervention attracted considerable media interest in Devon. Secretary Dr Ann Coats was interviewed live on BBC Radio Devon on 22 July 2008 about the Society’s views on the proposed development and how she thought it would affect the local area. She stressed how beneficial the jobs would be to the local economy, but how little Devonport heritage is promoted in Plymouth and how the plan would seriously limit South Yard’s potential for future heritage tourism access and interpretation. It would remove historic buildings from local community access and the museum would lose its building. (Coats, A., December 2010, 2010 Planning Issues, Dockyards , 15(2), pp. 5-8) Our views were noted by Superyacht Business and our opposition to the proposals was reported in the local press .

In 2011 the MoD announced that the freehold of Devonport North Yard had been sold to Babcock, including six listed buildings, among them the Grade I listed Quadrangle, and reported a new Listing, Building 13 (Receipt and Issue Magazine) at Grade II (Defence Infrastructure Organisation, 2011, MOD Heritage Report 2009–11 , p. 15; Table 6. MOD Disposals North Yard, p. 28.). In 2014 a City Deal sought to acquire land at South Yard in Devonport Naval Base. ( Maritime Development Land Deal Signed , 20 January 2014, Marine News . New York).

Currently here is no conservation plan for South Yard and no specified conservation programme for the listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments within Devonport Dockyard. The Plymouth Naval Base Museum, the Fire Service Museum and the Lighthouse Museum will all close. The National Museum of the Royal Navy is conducting an audit of the PNBM collection and historic fire engines are being valued for sale. South Saw Mills, South Smithery and Turncock’s House are on the Historic England At Risk Register, while the South Yard Dockyard Wall (1763–71) is also on Plymouth City Council’s Buildings at Risk Register.

On 17 March 2015 the NDS responded to Marine Industries Production Campus Planning Applications 14/02269/OUT and 14/02268/LBC, criticising several proposals:

1. Removal of a capstan (Cowans Sheldon, 1939) from the north of No. 1 Dock, to erect a security fence. Although other examples remain in South Yard, this will remove an element of the interpretation of this historic dock. 2. Removal of the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre from the Museum and Fire Station. This will remove a key interpretational institution from South Yard, harming its evidential, historical and communal value. 3. Interruption of the vista of the North Smithery and Dock No. 4 from Fore Street Gate by a proposed new 4 storey car park. 4. Further visual intrusion from the new security fence, interrupting site vistas and reducing South Yard’s aesthetic value.

Ongoing plans to release South Yard from MoD ownership will cumulatively and irreversibly risk its evidential, historical, aesthetic and communal value. The NDS called for Plymouth City Council to establish a Conservation Management Plan for Devonport Dockyard to provide overall care of the historic estate.

26 March 2015 Decision Devonport Dockyard, South Yard, (Areas 1 and 5), Devonport, Plymouth Application No: 14/02269/OUT Outline planning permission has now been granted. Head of Development Management Strategic Planning and Infrastructure

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Defence secretary confirms Devonport warships' future

• Published 2 February

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps ended speculation about HMS Albion's future

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has ended speculation about the future of the Devonport-based warships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

There had been reports the two assault ships would be scrapped or mothballed to free up sailors for other ships due to recruitment shortages.

But on a visit to Devonport naval base in Plymouth, Mr Shapps said they would remain in service for another decade.

"We are not scrapping these ships, we are not mothballing them," he said.

"We are keeping them available for our fantastic Royal Marines," he added.

Grant Shapps's visit follows the announcement of multi-million pound improvements at Devonport

Mr Shapps also announced a £1.85bn contract with Thales UK to upgrade sonar and sensors on Royal Navy vessels.

He said around 150 engineering jobs and apprenticeships would be created at Devonport, Faslane, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Cheadle, Crawley and Bristol, as well as sustaining 300 from a previous contract with Thales.

The defence secretary's visit follows an announcement in November of a £750m upgrade to facilities at Devonport , external where navy submarines are maintained.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter) , external , Facebook , external and Instagram , external . Send your story ideas to [email protected] , external .

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• Published 14 August 2023

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U.S. Navy visits former base in Vietnam's strategic Cam Ranh Bay

Ex-defense official has said U.S. presence in area would send firm message to China

HO CHI MINH CITY -- The U.S. Navy's oldest operational ship is visiting Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay, a strategic waterway in the South China Sea that has stirred the interest of military powers from Russia to China.

The flagship USS Blue Ridge, in addition to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Waesche, is paying a port call from Monday to Friday at what was a naval and air base for the U.S. in the Vietnam War and then for the Soviet Union and Russia until 2002, when Hanoi stopped allowing foreign militaries.

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NCIS investigating after major general is found dead at Twentynine Palms Marine base

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The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is probing the death of a military officer whose body was found at the Twentynine Palms Marine base, officials said.

Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen was found dead at the Twentynine Palms base Saturday, according to San Bernardino County coroner’s records.

Mullen, at one time the commanding general of the base, retired in 2020.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s spokesperson Mara Rodriguez confirmed that NCIS is investigating the death at the facility, which is the world’s largest Marine Corps training base.

NCIS is the investigative law enforcement entity of the Department of the Navy. The agency leads criminal investigations and, according to its website , also investigates noncombat deaths of Navy or Marine Corps members.

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NCIS confirmed the agency was investigating the death. A spokesperson said the investigation is standard for “any non-combat, medically unattended fatalities” involving service members.

The spokesperson declined to comment further while the investigation was ongoing.

“Major General Mullen’s dedicated service to our nation and the Marine Corps will always be remembered,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, commanding general of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”

Marine officials confirmed NCIS is investigating the cause of death.

San Bernardino coroner’s officials are handling the autopsy, Rodriguez said. That investigation is ongoing.

Before his retirement, Mullen served as commanding general of the Training and Education Command, according to the U.S. Marine Corps . His extensive military background includes tours of duty in the Middle East, leading a counternarcotics mission in the Los Padres National Forest and serving as Marine aide to President Clinton.

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Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, he was a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, where he covered criminal justice issues, the growing militia movement and breaking news. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. He is a Los Angeles native.

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Navy sailor disciplined for trying to access Biden's medical records multiple times

A sailor assigned to a medical team at a base in Virginia tried unsuccessfully to access President Joe Biden ’s medical records multiple times this year, a Navy spokesperson said Tuesday.

The sailor, whom defense officials did not name, worked with the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command at Fort Belvoir when the failed attempts took place in February.

The service member searched for “Joseph Biden” in the Military Health System’s electronic health record "out of curiosity," Cmdr. Tim Hawkins said in a statement.

A health record that was not the president’s was accessed, Hawkins said, adding that “at no time was the President’s personal information compromised.”

The attempted access was first reported by ABC News .

A defense official told NBC News that the sailor made three attempts to access Biden's information on Feb. 23 — roughly two weeks after special counsel Robert Hur cited Biden's " poor memory " as one of the reasons he decided not to bring charges in his classified documents review.

A co-worker reported the records breach, which the Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated. NCIS notified the Secret Service, which participated in an interview of the unidentified sailor, the defense official said.

The NCIS probe concluded April 24, and the sailor "was held accountable administratively," the defense official said.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a spokesman for the Defense Department, said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was notified of the breach in February and that the Navy had informed the White House about the incident.

Disclosure of the attempted records access comes amid new questions about Biden’s health after his dismal debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month. Biden’s personal physician said in a letter released Monday night — addressing visits to the White House by a Parkinson’s disease expert — that Biden showed no signs of any neurological disorder, including Parkinson’s, during his last annual physical on Feb. 28.

Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News.

Courtney Kube is a correspondent covering national security and the military for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

US blocks court hearing for migrants on UK-owned Chagos Islands

Case of 60 Sri Lankans postponed as military cites security reasons for denying lawyers and reporters access

The US has blocked a court hearing on the detention of migrants in an overseas British territory, the BBC reported.

The supreme court of the Chagos Islands , known in the UK as the British Indian Ocean Territory, was due to hold a hearing this week on the detention of a group of migrants on the island of Diego Garcia.

Diego Marcia is leased to the US and serves as one of America’s most important, and secretive, overseas military bases. As a result, access is heavily restricted.

The US government abruptly withdrew consent for lawyers representing the migrants and journalists covering the hearing to access the island , citing security concerns.

According to court documents seen by the BBC, the US refused to provide those due to attend the hearing with transport, accommodation or food until its “security and operational concerns are adequately addressed”.

The US said it would be “willing to reconsider” the requests if the visit could be “conducted in a manner” that resolved its concerns, according to a statement from Biot’s deputy commissioner, Nishi Dholakia.

The court later issued an order cancelling the hearing just hours before the judge, lawyers for the UK Government and the group of migrants, and BBC journalists were due to fly to the island.

A virtual court hearing took place on Tuesday, with lawyers tuning in from London and the migrants in Diego Garcia, to determine how to proceed.

Discussions between the US and the UK are said to be continuing over the legally complex case which relates to around 60 Sri Lankan Tamils, including at least 16 children, who arrived on the island in 2021 and claimed asylum.

The group have been housed in tents in an enclosed camp guarded by the private security company G4S.

UN representatives have previously said the situation amounts to arbitrary detention.

The Foreign Office has previously said it is “working tirelessly to process the migrants’ claims” and to find a suitable third country for those whose claims are upheld”.

Dispute with Mauritius 

The British Indian Ocean Territory, which has been British-owned since 1814 , has been the subject of a decades-long dispute with Mauritius.

China-facing Mauritius, which won independence from the UK in 1968, maintains that the islands are its own and the UN’s top court has declared Britain’s ownership of the territory to be “unlawful” and called for it to be returned.

Britain’s stance on the territory has been coloured by the fact that it has leased use of Diego Garcia, the only inhabited island of the Chagos archipelago to the US.

Most personnel and resources on the island are under the Pentagon’s control, including most restaurants, shops, accommodation and transport facilities.

The US military, which has used the island as an important strategic base, including for bombing missions in the Middle East, claims the right to refuse access to areas operated or controlled by the Pentagon.

The BBC said that the specific security concerns being raised are not clear, but  reported they were understood to relate to a “site visit” due to be conducted as part of the legal hearing.

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